The genre has exploded on the show in the past few seasons. With Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina winning and serving as runner up during season 10, and Skylar Laine having been a favorite among the Top 10 during season 11, this could be a strategic move to help lure more country hopefuls to auditions and to convert country fans into viewers of the show.

Blake Shelton‘s mainstream popularity skyrocketed, thanks to his role as a coach on competing series ‘The Voice,’ proving that mainstream America loves country music. Overall, it’d make sense for the show to pursue Paisley. And if he was ever looking to crossover, this’d be the way to do it.

However, Paisley is known for eschewing the spotlight, having once said that fame was only useful when it comes to making restaurant reservations. He loves to play his guitar but doesn’t exactly love superstardom. Being on a show like ‘Idol’ would focus that showbiz glare squarely at his door and that doesn’t seem up his alley.

Given Paisley’s relationships with ‘Idol’ alum — he and Underwood work together on songs and CMA hosting gigs and he took McCreery on tour — there are a lot of people in his inner circle who might be able to talk him into taking the gig. That is, if it gets that far.